Arlington Avenue Presbyterian Church

The congregation was formally organized on November 7, 1889 and occupied several buildings prior to the dedication of a building at this location on Feb. 27, 1893. The cornerstone for the brick church was laid April 15, 1905 and that building was dedicated on Feb 11, 1906. There is reference in the dedication program to a "branch chapel" at Linwood and Blake. Now known as Presbyterian Church of the Crossroads.

Original Church
The original church faced Elton Street and sat halfway down the block between Arlington Avenue and Fulton Street. It was in fact known as the Arlington Avenue Presbyterian Church then even though it did not sit on the Avenue. Built for $11,000, it seated 400 parishioners and was dedicated Feb. 27, 1893.
Elton Street, 1905.
This picture appeared in the Feb 16 Brooklyn Eagle when excavation work for the new Arlington Avenue Presbyterian Church threatened to swallow the manse (rectory) next door.
Arlington Avenue Presbyterian Church
Brooklyn Eagle Postcard Series Dated 1907 Status:Own (RG)
The new church was built on the southeast corner of Arlington Avenue and Elton Street. It cost $30,000 and was dedicated Feb. 11, 1906. Note in this early shot no fence around the church. The architect was Henry Rutgers Marshall and the builder Wilmot D. Losee. The minister at the time was Re. Warren H Wilson, residing at 268 Arlington Ave.
These rare picture postcards from 2 different angles were postmarked around 1910. The lack of the fence and the height of the trees dates the images between 1905 and 1910. Now look closely at the one at the right. To the far right, you can see the original wooden church which was eventually removed.
This two sided card circa 1910 was a summer invitation to the church, showing the interior. The magnificent organ in the picture cost $3,000 and was purchased with the assistance of $1500 from Andrew Carnegie. It would have been common for the upper class element in the Highland Park area to go away for the summer to seek cooler climates. The Sunday School Superintendent was Fred Joel Swift, husband of Margaret. Margaret has her own amazing story which can be found on the Jerome Street page.
Arlington Avenue Presbyterian Church
Maker: William Fick: Dated: 1912 Status: Own(RG)
The fence is now erected. Interesting that the date for formation is now given as 1890.
Arlington Avenue Presbyterian Church
Maker: Unkown Dated: 1921 Status: Own(BG)
This postcard also shows the old church to the right. Though postmarked 1921, judging from the trees I believe the photo dates between 1906 and 1910. In 1916 architect William Gompert is hired to create a two story brick structure for a Sunday School, that would blend with the church and replace the wooden structure. I do not have a firm date on when this was completed.
Elton Street Entrance
Early 1940's from Elsie Anzalone. Dr. Colanari on far left was the minister. Elsie is in the light coat at the left in the front row next to her cousin, Carmela Catapano. The cool thing about this site is that I was contacted by Jeanne Loriol who recognized her mother in the photo! On the right, a 2007 update showing the elaborate windows on the side.
In 1967 college student David Hay took a summer job working for the church's summer program for kids. This image is from a collection of photos he took which can be found here . My older brother and I used to attend Vacation Bible School sessions here in the summer, and may have even gone on some of David's trips!
Church in 2005, viewed from 108
Church in 2005, viewed from Cleveland Street. Now known as Presbyterian Church of the Crossroads.
Jan 5, 1948 Times article on burning of mortgage
Feb 27, 1893 Times article on dedication of church